THE Penang Island Municipal Council (MBPP) will hold its Cleanest Toilet Competition from August to October, inviting the public for the first time to participate in evaluating the performance of its well-known “yellow shirt heroes.”
MBPP councillor Rohaizat Hamid said the competition, held in conjunction with World Toilet Day 2025 on Nov 19, aims to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining clean public toilets.
MBPP, through its Municipal Services Department, manages a total of 72 public toilets located in food complexes, markets, and other council-managed tourist and recreation areas.
Rohaizat highlighted that the “yellow shirt heroes” play an important role in maintaining toilet cleanliness.
“Their dedication and responsibility in providing clean and comfortable toilets to the public are highly appreciated,” he said during a press conference after attending MBPP’s monthly meeting at City Hall today.
He added that the competition’s main objective is to enhance the cleanliness of public toilets while promoting a culture of excellence, in line with the aspirations of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to achieve the BMW standard for public toilets – Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi (Clean, Attractive, and Fragrant).
The competition evaluation will be conducted in two stages.
The first stage involves public feedback through QR codes at participating toilets from Aug 1 to Sept 30.
The second stage involves evaluation in October by a professional panel appointed by MBPP. The panellists will conduct inspections focusing on cleanliness, odour, aesthetics, and the overall environment of the toilets, while also taking into account public ratings.
The results and winners will be officially announced during the World Toilet Day 2025 celebration. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of RM800, RM600 and RM400 respectively, while the fourth to 10th place finishers will each receive a consolation prize of RM150.
MBPP Urban Services Department director Rashidah Jalaludin said the initiative is one of MBPP’s efforts to recognise and appreciate the dedication of its public toilet caretakers while providing better services to the public.
“It is vital to improve the quality of toilet maintenance and to create a more comfortable and cleaner environment.
“I encourage the public to cooperate in maintaining public property and to use the facilities responsibly. We still face a high rate of damage and vandalism, and whenever the facilities are closed for repairs, other users are inconvenienced,” Rashidah said.
MBPP councillor Tan Soon Siang shared that MBPP has employed four individuals with physical challenges and three senior citizens as part of its team of public toilet caretakers.
“They are very efficient and have been keeping the toilets clean and comfortable,” she said.
Also present were other MBPP councillors, including Alan Lim, Koay Gaik Kee, Khairul Ali, Nicholas Theng, Ooi Mei Mei, Benji Ang, Lee Wei Seang, and Shafiz Rahim Raja.
Meanwhile, at the MBPP monthly meeting, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran congratulated 20 of its staff members who received awards in conjunction with the 84th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
The recipients included Shahul Hameed M.K. Mohamed Ishack (Darjah Johan Negeri), Shafiz Rahim Raja (Pingkat Kelakuan Terpuji), Zuraida Mohamad Arshad (Pingat Jasa Kebaktian), Nurhidayah Che Rose (Pingat Jasa Masyakarat), Azman Sirun (Bintang Cemerlang Negeri), Ir Cheah Chin Kooi (BCN), Muhammad Muashraf Mohamed (PKT), and Sr Khairul Anaz Murat (PKT).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian